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Gay Rome, Italy | The Essential LGBT Travel Guide!

Gay Rome, Italy | The Essential LGBT Travel Guide!

Gay Rome is just one of those cities that everyone dreams of visiting. The eternal city is a vibrant mix of ruins, art, history, street life, and culture – an exhilarating experience that thrills, inspired and never, ever disappoints.

For gay travelers, Milan to the north might have the biggest gay scene in the country – but Gay Rome does not disappoint with a fun gay street (with epic Coliseum views), a handful of gay bars and a tantalizing array of gay dance parties, saunas and cruising spots.

Masculine, testosterone, and men-only parties are very much a key part of the Rome gay scene, but there is a growing collection of queer take-overs and fun club nights that welcome everybody from across the LGBT+ spectrum.

Gay Rome Italy

Sadly Italy is one of the worst countries in Western Europe for gay rights, and while same-sex unions were legalized in 2016, Italy is the only country in the Western world with a ban on same-sex marriages.

Despite this, Italy can generally be considered a gay-friendly country and public opinion are increasingly culturally liberal, and gay travelers are unlikely to experience any outright prejudice or problems with displays of affection in public.

After watching the illiberal slide in Budapest, Warsaw, Istanbul, and Bucharest, we hope the same doesn’t happen here, even as same-sex marriage has become a political football in Italy’s elections.

Gay Rome Guide: The Essential Guide To Gay Travel In Rome Italy 2018

By day in Gay Rome, there are plenty of sexy Italian boys and girls picnicking in tranquil parks, wandering cobble-stoned streets or sipping coffee in quaint curb-side cafes but by night is when things really come alive. High-brow cocktails? Bears with beers? Dark underground fetish parties?  Some of the wildest gay parties in Europe? Check, check, check and CHECK! 

Even excluding the nightlife, the world-class museums, haute couture shopping, iconic architecture, fine dining and an utterly intoxicating atmosphere will give tourists more than enough reason to visit Gay Rome  – whether it’s for a night, a week, or to live full-time!

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Attractions in Gay Rome

So, you’re wondering what to do in the Eternal City? Get ready to mix and match 2500+ years of history as you adventure out to discover Rome. This city has more attractions than you could ever attempt to see in one visit, and you could easily fall in love with Rome without ever seeing a museum – the ones here are amongst the best in the world.

Obviously, being gay does not define which attraction most of us will want to see, and most queer tourists in Rome will simply want to check out the top things to see in Rome during the day!

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Rome is a very safe city, but still, all travelers should take caution with valuables, especially in crowded areas. Gay people in Rome do not need to take any extra precautions regarding public displays of affection in this very progressive city and should have no issues exploring this magical city’s beauty!

We loved getting lost in the busy marketplaces, sipping espresso in charming streetside cafes and discovering ancient ruins in unlikely places, but in case you need more ideas – here are just a few of our favorite things to do in Rome!

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Top Highlights of Rome

Vatican City

As long as you don’t burn up as you cross the threshold, a visit to the world’s smallest independent international state is a must for any traveler to Rome. Home to 842 people, this walled-off enclave within Rome houses the beautiful Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica and artwork of old masters like Michelangelo and Raphael.

One of the most interesting and beautiful sites in the world – regardless of your views on the Catholic Church.

Roman Forum

If you want to see Roman ruins, this is where you need to go. The Roman forum is a chaotic – yet impressive – site that was once a marketplace and a showpiece center of Ancient Rome. Today wander around, get lost and admire the grandiose ruins that once were temples, basilicas and vibrant public spaces.

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Trastevere

A trendy/bohemian district across the Tiber is filled with boutique shops, handicrafts, and cobblestoned streets. A night, things really get buzzing as cocktail bars, and restaurants seem to pop up in every doorway and down every alley.

Rent A Vespa

When in Rome, do as the Romans do, right? And what could be more Roman than riding around the ancient city streets on an iconic Vespa moped? A romantic way to spend that day, cruising the streets of Rome from the saddle of a typical Italian mode of transport. The traffic isn’t that bad – once you get used to it!

Pantheon

The burial ground of ancient Roman Kings was the world’s largest dome until the modern area. Frequently called the world’s only architecturally perfect building and is easily the best-preserved monument of Imperial Rome. When you walk inside, be sure to look up—the oculus in the dome almost magically lets sunlight filter in.

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Colosseum

Needed no introduction, this famous amphitheater is one of the great wonders of the ancient world, and it almost defies belief that it still stands almost 2000 years later.

Holding an estimated 80,000 spectators for gladiatorial contests, animal hunts, executions and re-enactments of famous battles – today, the Colosseum is simply filled with masses of tourists clicking their cameras away after waiting hours in the hot sun to get it.

If you are visiting Gay Rome during the summer months, do yourself a favor – book the skip-the-line tickets and head to the nearby Gay Street after for a drink with the spare time you will have!

Galleria Alberto Sordi

Not interested in slumming it in ruins all day? Take a trip to one of Europe’s most gorgeous shopping spaces filled with luxury stores such as La Rinascente (Italy’s Macy’s), Zara, Massimo Dutti, and the Italian mega bookstore La Feltrinelli. Even if you don’t want to shop, the galleria, built-in 1922, is worth a drop-by if only for a quick coffee and to admire the stained-glass skylights and mosaic floors.

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Trevi Fountain

You simply can’t visit Rome without stopping by the world-famous Trevi Fountain, which depicts the mythological Neptune, backed by two Tritons. Sure, it’s insanely busy, but it is still a fun place to grab gelato, people-watch, throw a coin and make a wish. This a fantastic work of art that is much more than a mere sculpture; try to visit later at night to avoid the crowds!

Capuchin Crypt

A rather macabre attraction that is both fascinating and shocking, containing the bones and mummified remains of an estimated 4,000 individuals. Visit the absorbing Capuchin Museum, wander through the Crypt of the Three Skeletons, and discover the Crypt of the Skulls, Crypt of the Pelvises and the Crypt of the Resurrection.

Galleria Borghese

Known to be one of the best museums in Rome, see Rome’s most impressive art collections, housed 17th-century villa on the sprawling Borghese park. Admire works by Caravaggio, Raphael, Canova, and other pieces from the antiquities, Rennaissance and early Baroque period.

Campo de’ Fiori

One of the most popular markets in Rome, open every day except Sunday. Grab your camera and see Romans shopping for the freshest produce; the atmosphere here is utterly intoxicating. If you’re on a budget, stock up on whatever takes your fancy – it’s all perfect for salads, sandwiches, and picnics.

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MAXXI

Thoroughly modern, this Museum of 21st Century Art is all glass, open spaces, and concrete, designed by the famed Zaha Hadid. Inside you will find modern and contemporary art and introspective exhibits that change frequently.

Gladiator School

Train to be a gladiator at a school in Rome that teaches you how to fight like a warrior of Ancient Rome while learning about life in the imperial city, Roman weapons, and more.

After an introduction to Roman history, learn the basic techniques of gladiatorial sword fighting (because that is a useful skill…). Each session includes a description of life as a gladiator and top tips on techniques with Roman weapons.

Rome Food & Wine Tour

Eat your way through the “Eternal City,” starting in the vibrant square of the Campo de Fiori. Soak up the dynamic atmosphere of Rome’s bustling cafés as you sample a selection of artisanal salamis from Italy, paired with some of the country’s fine wines.

With your local guide, discover Rome’s strange and wonderful history while chowing down on local cheese, the authentic Roman specialty of baccalà fritto (fried salted cod), pizza “by the slice” and supplì (rice balls) – all washed down with more wine of course. One of the best things to do in Rome, and a great way to really get to know the local cuisine!

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Gay-Friendly Tours Around The World

Gay Things To Do In Rome

Gay Street

The central gay hangout, basically in the shadow of the grand Coliseum. If you want to feel out the gay Rome scene, head here anytime and see where things go!

Gay Italian Fetish Community

A gay non-profit organization explaining the culture of leather and fetish in Europe. Hosting a variety of events throughout the year, perfect for those with an interest in leather, rubber, skin, BDSM, and fetish. Not to be missed is, of course, the Italy Fetish Pride…

Gay Vatican Tour

A company inspired to give the LGBT community a view of gay and lesbian personalities from the past, stories part of our own history that makes us more aware that we’re not the first ones and surely will not be the last ones. Find out all the deepest, darkest homosexual secrets and scandals to take place in the Vatican over the centuries and get an alternative look at the Catholic Church’s history.

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Caffè Letterario Roma

A cute little espresso bar / gay-friendly bookshop with an art gallery, occasional poetry readings, and cocktails.

Summer Gay Village

Between June – September, many of the best gay dance parties in Rome wrap up, but thankfully this popup event/venue takes place over ten weeks with concerts, dance shows, theatre and film screens + A Bear Village. Extremely popular with over 200k visitors annually – and it is easy to see why!

Rome Gay Pride

The biggest pride in Italy, taking place in June annually for over a decade. Tens of thousands march on the streets of the eternal city, demanding the Italian government make more efforts to advance LGBT rights. It’s not all politics, though, and Rome Gay Pride has plenty of epic parties, gorgeous men, rainbow flags and cheery queer spirit.

Gay Pride Rome | gay guide rome

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Gay-Friendly and Gay Hotels in Rome Italy

 
While politically, Italian LGBT rights are lacking, gay travelers are still unlikely to experience any issues in the hotels of Rome.  After all, being gay-friendly is about simply providing a non-judgmental and respectful environment in which all people are treated equally. Elegant design, helpful staff, and excellent value for money never hurt anyone, though! 

Rome is a year-round travel destination, so the best hotels do fill up fast. You should try booking yours as early as possible.

Hotel Palazzo Manfredi – Relais & Chateaux | Gay Hotels In Rome

There are, however, a few stand-out hotels in Rome that are go-to hot spots for gay travelers…and really, doesn’t everyone like to be surrounded by people with common interests! These are the hotels we have checked out and included here. 

While there are no exclusively gay hotels in Rome, any hotel close to the Coliseum / gay street of Rome is sure to have more than a few gay guests staying – plus, being a stumble home from many of the gay bars is pretty desirable.

There are hundreds of other good hotel options in Rome if you don’t find what you are looking for, but we are confident you’ll find something here for you whether you want a fun and social hostel, a cheap place to crash after a night of partying or a chic designer option to sip cocktails and surround yourself with fabulous people  – Gay Rome as something for everyone!

Elizabeth Unique Hotel | a Member of Design Hotels | Gay Friendly Hotels in Rome

B&B Second Floor ☆☆☆☆

Our favorite gay hotel in Rome, the B&B Second Floor, is part of the Coming Out Gay Cafe establishment that forms the basis of the gay area in Rome. Located directly opposite the Coliseum in the center of Rome, all rooms here are stylishly decorated with either balconies or Coliseum views.

There is also a sweet Italian breakfast served, and the metro station to get anywhere else is only 300 meters away.

The respect for the original details of the property, merged with the modern design and furniture, makes this place magical. The rooms, enlightened during the day by generous natural light, are kissed by lamps positioned to always give a welcoming feeling. All of this, right in the center of Rome, steps away from the metro and facing history.

B&B Second Floor | Gay Hotel In Rome Coming Out Bar

J.K. Place Roma ☆☆☆☆☆

Steps from the Tiber River, this opulent hotel decorated with sculptures and art is considered to be one of the most luxurious stays in all of Italy. There are sophisticated rooms and suites, many with 4-poster canopy beds and marble bathrooms, as well as a complimentary breakfast buffet.

We loved the upscale restaurant/bar with its refined cosmopolitan vibe and the overall design aesthetics, with the interiors designed by Michele Bonan.

Roma Luxus Hotel ☆☆☆☆☆

Found in the very trendy Monti neighborhood, this gay-popular polished hotel is close to the gay street in Rome and only a 14-minute walk from the Pantheon. With vibrant, lux rooms offering bold colors and design + many even have city-view terraces.

There is an extensive international buffet breakfast served every morning relaxed restaurant, along with a classic bar offering Asian-Mediterranean fusion cuisine. Frequently voted one of the best hotels in Rome, the Roma Luxus Hotel is fresh of breath air with a unique yet charming atmosphere.

J K Place Roma | Luxury Hotels in Rome

Villa Spalletti Trivelli ☆☆☆☆☆

Experience the opulence of old-time Rome in this opulent 20th-century villa overlooking the Quirinale public gardens. Refined and subtle, this luxury hotel is part of the small luxury hotels of the world collection and offers a free buffet breakfast, parking, a private garden, a gym with a trainer and a spa area / Hammam. An unforgettable stay in a truly unforgettable city.

Elizabeth Unique Hotel ☆☆☆☆☆

An ultra-hip residence where antique stories interlace with modern elegance, hospitality is a generous and sincere embrace, and all of your wishes are fulfilled – even before you know what you desire.

A cosmopolitan and never conventional hotel which seeks to evoke memories of the first modern explorers, scions of European aristocrats, who came to Rome to be enchanted by centuries of history, art, and culture.

Modern rooms decorated with contemporary artwork greet all guests, or you can choose to hang out in the casual bar or bistro.

Hotel Palazzo Manfredi – Relais & Chateaux ☆☆☆☆☆

A charming 17th-century, multi-story villa at the foot of the archaeological remains of the old gladiator arena, Ludus Magnus and the gay scene of Rome on your doorstep. The epitome of Roman elegance with modern rooms featuring marble bathrooms, Colosseum views and whirlpool baths.

There is also a chic on-site restaurant, rooftop terrace and American bar offering Colosseum views. If you really want to see Rome in style, you can even rent a Lamborghini sports car… This is Italy, after all!

Hotel Palazzo Manfredi – Relais & Chateaux | Best Hotels in Rome

The Liberty Boutique Hotel ☆☆☆☆

A luxury hotel near Rome’s Termini Station with great value and design. All 27 rooms are decorated in classic liberty style to the finest detail with the highest quality materials and finished Italian artisans. There are no fancy amenities, but that is reflected in the price, so you get large rooms, high-ceiling and a refined stay for a fraction of the cost.

UNA Hotel Roma ☆☆☆☆

An upscale, art deco-inspired hotel just a few minute’s walk from Termini train and metro stations to get you everywhere you need to go. Very gay-popular UNA Hotel has bright, clean and modern rooms – some of which feature terraces on the upper floor, along with a free breakfast buffet. There is also an elegant restaurant, a modern terrace bar and paid parking if you are driving.

HT6 Hotel Roma ☆☆☆☆

Set on a cobbled street in the 16th century Roman Ghetto, this intriguing boutique hotel housed inside an art deco building offers inspired design, with elegant woven curtails, magnificence artwork and bespoke details throughout.

Plush, elegant rooms offer smart TVs, glass-enclosed bathrooms, and showers with colored lights – or why not upgrade to the whirlpool tub rooms? There is also a daily complimentary breakfast buffet and an upscale bar, but we would recommend staying for the utterly unique design alone.

HT6 Hotel Roma | Gay Hotel In Rome
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Mercure Roma Centro Colosseo ☆☆☆

Close to the gay street in Rome, this modern hotel offers laid-back, basic rooms with two bars and a rooftop outdoor pool. The design is not very inspired, but seriously – to sit in the pool at sunset views in the Coliseum is other-worldly and worth the price tag alone after a long, hot day exploring.

iQ Hotel Roma ☆☆☆

A chic, modern hotel with a central location 2 stops from the gay street of Rome. The breakfast is amazing, the prices very reasonable, and there is even a gym, sauna and rooftop terrace.

If you don’t plan on spending too much time in your hotel room but want somewhere clean and easy to return to – The IQ Hotel Roma is a perfect choice. It’s also one of the most frequently booked hotels by other gay travelers in Rome.

Yellow Hostel Rome ☆☆

Not just a hostel but a lifestyle, Yellow has a bar, club, tour, activity center, gourmet restaurant and DJ entertainment every night. Posh rooms are, gay-friendly and the Coliseum gay area is only 2 metro stops.

There is no better place to meet new friends, party the night away and save a few euros on accommodation by sharing a dorm room! There are no gay hostels in Rome, but you won’t have any problems here.

Mercure Roma Centro Colosseo | Rome Hotels With Infinity Pools

Gay Nightlife in Rome

Rome might be hot during the day, but after sundown, things get even hotter here! Gay bars in Rome are few and far between as locals prefer cruise clubs or dance events, especially compared to other European Capitals like Lisbon or Paris, but the gay parties and events in Rome are world-class.

A great way to begin the night is by heading to Gay Street next to the Colleseum, designated as a gay- and lesbian-friendly neighborhood in 2007 and enjoying the bars here. After this, gay club parties in Rome are all the rage, with different locations every evening, but we have only listed the most popular and fabulous, as there are almost too many to count!

Use our Gay Rome Map at the end if you’re lost, but there is plenty of bars, cocktail lounges, drag shows and bear dens littered across Rome to satisfy even the most discerning of gay travelers.  If you are going to a party, be aware that many gay dance parties in Rome are sadly closed in the summer months (from July-September).

Coming Out Roma | gay bar rome

Gay Bars In Rome

Coming Out Roma

I’m coming out; I Want the world to know; I got to let it show! We couldn’t resist, but yes, Coming Out is one of the mainstays of the Rome Gay Scene with a New York modern and linear style, yet very warm and welcoming.

Conveniently located next to the Colosseum with fabulous views, this institution is a fabulous bistro café come bar with a fun Friday theme nights and great dinner cocktails.

Pop in during the day to relax at the delicious restaurant (or perhaps just to enjoy a quick expresso) or visit later in the night for casual drinks, to meet new people or try your hand at the karaoke. Want more? Check out their stunning upscale B&Bs on the same property -the Second Floor. Beautiful views and ultra-glam (with surprisingly affordable prices!).

Coming Out Roma Bar | gay clubs rome

The Random Pub

One of the main landmarks of Rome’s nightlife, this disco bar is constantly reinventing itself though it has been around for over 10 years now. Not only is there a disco but a pub/bar, restaurant, and pizzeria with a wood oven! LGBT-friendly but a great option if you are in mixed company, so there is something for everyone. Go around 8 pm for food or closer to midnight for the real party.

Garbo

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A small gay cocktail bar in Rome that is straight-friendly, hidden down a small cobblestone street in Trastevere. Fabulously queer with crystal chandeliers, velvet curtains, romantic candlelights and gay anthems played later in the night. There are so few real gay bars in Rome, so Garbo always attracts a fun crow of locals and tourists who come for the fun vibes, cocktails, and wine.

My Bar

A cute little gay bar & café where you can sit on the sidewalk with divine views of the Colosseum. In the heart of Gay Rome, My Bar is more LGBT-friendly during the day but, by night, is much much a gay destination with a fun dance floor, DJ and commercial house music playing until 2 am. Check out their Facebook in advance for events often attended by gorgeous Italian go-go boys.

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Beige

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A friendly, trendy cocktail spot that is very LGBT popular with chilled-out music, and an atmosphere conducive to meeting new friends. A project carried out by creative experts who wanted to make it a pivotal meeting point of Rome’s nightlife, we loved the inspired design, metropolitan vibes and eclectic lineup of live music, events, DJs and tribute bands.

Freni e Frizioni

A gay-popular, vibrant bar with a cozy terrace, serving cocktails & aperitivos amongst chandeliers & modern art. Posh, and frequently named one of the best bars in the world – You shouldn’t miss this one!

Gay Rome, Italy | The Essential LGBT Travel Guide!

Gay Parties In Rome

G I AM @ Planet Roma

If you are in Gay Rome between October – May, then you just have to attend ‘Gorgeous I Am’, the biggest gay dance party held weekly on Saturday nights. G I AM is the event for GLBTQI+, which was born in the winter of 1995 and has been going strong since.

Expect plenty of gorgeous boys, drag queens, talented unicorns and everything before – inclusivity has never been so sexy, and everyone is truly welcomed at G I AM.

G I AM @ Planet Roma | Gay Clubs in Rome

COCKtail

A Sunday night dinner and dance session popular with many LGBT Romans. Held at different locations throughout the year, but always with a dinner buffet and then DJs and go-go dancers … Different themes every time with drag shows, quiz nights and more, but COCKtail is never, ever boring.

Cox

There’s no glitter, no fashion, no commercial sound, no posers, no narrow­mind. COX rewrote the rules of the game. Claiming to be the biggest men­ only party in Italy, Cox is a private party drawing thousands in for a wild mix of Masculinity and testosterone. Only hot manly, muscled, bear, leather or fetish boys attend, and they like to keep it that way.

Amigdala

Held every 2-4 weeks, this epic indie / mixed / queer dance party pumps out electro-techno with insane visual effects and artsy vibes. Held in one-off venues that will leave you gagging – from villas to underground clubs, Amigdala is weird, wonderful and totally not to be missed.

Rebel Club

A gay dance club popular with young and trendy LGBT citizens of Rome. Expect funny parties, DJ music, go-go boys, good cocktails, and beer – all in the heart of Gay Rome. One of the biggest gay parties in Rome is held here every Thursday, Golosia, from 11 pm.

Gosia is a young, beautiful and free party with current pop music, low costs and a fun mix of locals and foreigners.

Men2Men Party

An upscale, hyper-masculine men-only party pumping out the house, tribal and progressive tunes with shows by some of the hottest guys we have ever seen. A celebration of freedom and pleasure where masculinity and fantasy mix, open to all men, singles, couples or groups. Crazy dance floor, international DJs, and a busy cruising area.

From 11:30 pm every Saturday until mid-morning, with the Men2Men party and the afterparty, Frutta e Verdura, held at Bunker Sauna. Quite far out of the center of Gay Rome, so plan in advance how to get there and back. If you’re still wondering how hot it really is – the most recent themes were hot pornstars, fetish suits, and big bubble beef! Trust us; it is totally worth it!

Men 2 Men Party Rome | Gay Sex Party Rome

Glamorize @ Le Colonial

A gay-friendly aperitif event on Wednesdays with Food, Cocktail Bar & DJs from 7.00pm til late. Very popular so arrive early. Hipster / Indie realness.

Bears Invasion

The Rome gay bears scene is world-class, and every night, all the bears, otters, cubs, wolves and furry admirers gather for a night of hard-house on a steamy dance floor. Held in various locations around the city, there is always a dark room and a well-stocked bar!

Bear Monday @ Capella Orsini

Got more time on your hands? This weekly bear party on Mondays offers free gummy bears on entry and is the perfect place to meet Roman bears with bear formers and plenty of good vibes. Friday nights are overrated, anyway!

Bear Monday Rome | Gay Clubs In Rome

Muccassassina @ Qube 

Every Friday night, this gay party sprawls over 3 floors with the upbeat house, pop, and techno – and it is insanely popular. Originally one of the best gay parties in Rome, now Muccassassina has become very popular with the straight trendy crowd, but there is still plenty of muscle boys and gyrating go-go dancers to keep us interested.

The Muccassassina / The Killer, Cow club night, started in the early 90s to finance an organization that focussed on LGBT civil rights, the fight against Aids and homophobia.

Today Muccassassina has become something of an institution in Italy and has developed a reputation with a world profile thanks to the quality of its music, its avant-garde technologies, the celebs who join it and the guest that come and play.

With different themes every week, and insane production values, not seeing Muccassassina means missing an important part of Gay Rome and even Gay Italy.

Gay Saunas in Rome

Had enough of gay cruising in Rome – either in the bars or elsewhere? For those who want a bit more guaranteed action, the gay saunas in Rome will not disappoint you (unlikely all those faceless accounts on Grindr or the other hookup apps…).

Foreigners are typically welcoming throughout the Rome gay scene, but many guys don’t speak English in the saunas, so you’ll need to be good at reading non-verbal cues. Luckily we have our first-time gay sauna guide to help!

Like everywhere else in Italy, a membership card is required for entry to all gay cruise bars, saunas, and even some gay parties in Rome –  usually the ANDDOS card. Don’t worry; you can easily get one at the entrance of the venues that actually require the card, showing a photo ID and paying a fee. The card is valid for 1 year.

europa multiclub | emc sauna

Europa Multiclub (EMC)

One of the best gay saunas in Italy, which is – rather hilariously -located on the same Palazzo as a key Vatican department. If you’re going to sin in the eternal city, you might as well go all out, right? Over 2,000 m² of pure hedonism with everything you could possibly want.

Mega Turkish bath, Finnish sauna, hydromassage pool, whirlpool, relaxation lounges with video, well-equipped gym, video room in cinema, solarium, male massages in Rome, themed parties, shows, plenty of surprises and the popular EMC Cafè. Europa Multiclub is spotless with hot guys, and friendly staff and is open 24 hours over the weekend or until midnight during the week.

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Illumined Sauna

The newest gay sauna in Rome to open, though previously known as Spartacus. Know around town for their 30-man sauna, a huge steam room that fits 50, and spacious jacuzzi. Illumined Sauna also has private cabins, a fun dark room, and a bar to hang with all the bears and their admirers. Very clean and modern, with fun male massages, a relaxed atmosphere, and down-to-earth clients.

Terme di Roma Internazional

A small mixed/gay sauna in the suburbs of Rome – meaning it’s mostly locals and not that easy to get to. Still, if you want to try something new, make sure you go on Mondays or Tuesdays when it is men only to enjoy their sauna, private cabins, and raunchy video room.

The decor is something else – truly reminiscent of Ancient Roman sex parties, and by all things, get very, very wild in their many dark spaces. More for older guys than twinks.

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Sauna Mediterraneo

Feeling frisky still after a long day of site seeing? Then this conveniently located gay sauna in the historic center of Rome is just the answer. Very bear-friendly, this 3-level structure close to the Colosseum offers a Finnish sauna, Turkish bath (not quite as good as Istanbul…), a dark room + maze, relaxing lounge area, XXX porn room, café and massage service.

Things are pretty quiet here after 8 pm daily, but Sauna Mediterraneo offers some of the best male massages in Rome with cute, manly masseuses – though with a very strict no-touching policy.

Apollion Sauna

A basic gay sauna in Rome offering a sauna, Turkish bath, hydromassage jacuzzi, steam room, bar, glory hole, dark room and male massage services. Mostly middle-aged, unsporty guys or bears, if that is what you are after – though most travelers prefer to head right to EMC.

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Gay Cruising and Fetish Clubs in Rome

If the bars or gay parties in Rome are too vanilla for you, perhaps these fetish clubs and cruise lounges are a better fit. We have to warn you; however, Rome has one of the most intense fetish scenes we have ever come across, and it is not for everyone.

We have tried to identify places for the more ‘initiated,’ but really, there is nothing vanilla here. The gay cruising spots in Rome have spread around, so use our Gay Rome map at the end to find the closest to you.

Gay Rome, Italy | The Essential LGBT Travel Guide!

BUNKER Club Rome

(Temporarily or permanently closed. If you know something, please suggest an edit.)

The biggest gay cruising spot in Rome with a large maze, dark room, movie rooms and more. Hosting regular themed nights with strict dress codes, including the very popular Naked Thursdays, Bunker is our first choice for cruising clubs in Rome for the hottest guys. Just be aware some tourists have reported being passed over as not being part of the ‘local scene’.

Bunker Club also hosts the popular Porcelli Romani gay fetish parties with porn stars, go-go dancers and a whole lot of raunchy fun.

K Men Club

An extremely hardcore leather cruise bar in Rome with playrooms, video rooms and no bar. The first gay sex club in Italy. Discreet, no-frills, and hyper-masculine environment. Lose yourself in the dark labyrinth, find love at the glory holes or just have fun watching the movies. Fulfill your wildest fantasies in this club where everything is on the table – not for the uninitiated.

Gay Rome, Italy | The Essential LGBT Travel Guide!

Censured Club

A new gay cruise club in Rome close to Termini Station with a fun bar, large lounge space to relax, glory hole, playroom and plenty of dark corners. Discreet entrance and plenty of fun.

Skyline Club

Popular with university students, this fun location offers two bars, naked party events, private cabins and hidden corners.

Il Diavolo Dentro

A huge gay sex club in Roma with a dark room, play zone, bar and maze. Check in advance for attire with various themed nights, though they are not that strict, and many guys just go naked. A bit off-the-beaten-track, but the N12 night bus stops outside, or just catch a taxi. One of the hottest gay cruising spots in Rome!

Company Rome

A gay cruise bar in a dark basement for bears and their admirers to get their furry freak on. Very casual and fun – as most bears are, check their Facebook page in advance for events such as the fun Furry Fridays!

Gay Rome, Italy | The Essential LGBT Travel Guide!
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Gay Map Of Rome

Finding it hard to envisage where everything is Gay Rome? Hopefully, this queer-centric map helps where we have marked all the bars, clubs, parties, hotels, saunas, massages and more will help you stay in the spot best suited to you!